Slide member, bicycle component using slide member, and fishing tackle component using slide member

ABSTRACT

A slide member is provided with a base material and a slide layer. The slide layer is disposed on at least a portion of the base material. The slide layer contains a solid lubricant and a plurality of hard particles, the hard particles being harder than the solid lubricant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-207377, filed on Oct. 2, 2013, Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-207378, filed on Oct. 2, 2013 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-218457, filed on Oct. 21, 2013. The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2013-207377, 2013-207378 and 2013-218457 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a slide member, a bicycle component using the slide member, and a fishing tackle component using the slide member.

Background Information

One type of slide member known in the prior art has a plated slide layer which incorporates fine particles of a fluorine compound as a solid lubricant, within a plated metal film of nickel or the like, formed on a base material (for example, see Japanese Patent Publication 4681161). The sliding performance of the member is enhanced by furnishing such a plated slide layer. The lubricating capabilities can be further improved by increasing the content of the solid lubricant.

SUMMARY

When a slide layer containing a solid lubricant is furnished, the sliding performance of the member is enhanced, but the slide layer will be softer than an ordinary plated metal layer, posing a risk of wear.

It is an object of the present invention to minimize wear of a slide layer in a slide member, while still maintaining the sliding performance of the slide layer.

The slide member according to the present invention is provided with a base material, and a slide layer situated on at least a portion of the base material, and containing a solid lubricant and hard particles harder than the solid lubricant.

With this slide member, a slide layer situated containing a solid lubricant and hard particles harder than the solid lubricant is situated on the base material. Because the slide layer contains a solid lubricant, the sliding performance of the slide layer can be maintained. Additionally, because the slide layer contains hard particles, the slide layer is harder, as compared with a case in which only a solid lubricant is contained. Therefore, wear of the slide layer can be minimized, while still maintaining the sliding performance of the slide layer.

The base material is of at least one selected from the group of metals consisting of iron, including stainless steel; aluminum; titanium; clad materials composed of layers of multiple metals; and alloys of these. In this case, the base material will be made of metal, and can have relatively high corrosion resistance performance due to the slide layer, and therefore the slide member can be used outdoors.

The slide member may be further provided with an intermediate layer situated between the base material and the slide layer, and adapted for increasing cohesion of the base material and the slide layer. The slide layer and the intermediate layer are plated layers containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, tin, and zinc. In this case, furnishing the intermediate layer makes the slide layer resistant to peeling from the base material. Moreover, because the slide layer and the intermediate layer are constituted by plated layers containing different types of easily-plated metals, the slide layer and the intermediate layer are easy to form.

The slide member may be further provided with an intermediate layer situated between the base material and the slide layer, for increasing cohesion of the base material and the slide layer. The slide layer and the intermediate layer are plated layers containing the same type of metal, selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, tin, and zinc. In this case, furnishing the intermediate layer makes the slide layer resistant to peeling from the base material. Moreover, because plated layers containing the same type of easily-plated metal are employed as the slide layer and the intermediate layer, cohesion of the slide layer and the intermediate layer can be increased.

The intermediate plated layer may contain a solid lubricant in a smaller quantity than the solid lubricant contained in the plated slide layer. In this case, because the intermediate plated layer contains a solid lubricant as well, albeit in a smaller quantity than the plated slide layer, the sliding performance overall is even better, and cohesion between the plated slide layer and the intermediate plated layer is improved further.

The solid lubricant may contain particles of at least one selected from the group consisting of boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer.

The solid lubricant may contain particles of a fluorine compound. In this case, there can be formed a fluorine compound-containing plated film that contains particles of a fluorine compound, whereby the sliding performance of the plated slide layer can be enhanced.

The fluorine compound particle content may be between 30 and 70 vol %, inclusive. In this case, due to the high proportion of the fluorine compound in the plated slide layer, the sliding performance of the plated slide layer is enhanced. Moreover, because the intermediate plated layer is situated between the plated slide layer and the base material, despite the fact that the content has been increased to achieve enhanced sliding performance, high cohesion can be maintained between the base material and the plated slide layer.

The fluorine compound may be at least one selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer.

The hard particles may be at least one selected from the group consisting of nanodiamond, ZrO₂, SiC (silicon carbide), Al₂O₃ (alumina), and BN (boron nitride).

The plated layer may be formed by an electroplating process. In this case, the thickness of the plated slide layer and the intermediate plated layer, as well as the content of the solid lubricant and the hard particles within the plated slide layer and the intermediate plated layer, can be controlled with high accuracy, by varying the current value.

The present invention in another aspect provides a bicycle component employing the aforedescribed slide member. In this case, wear of the slide layer can be minimized, while maintaining the sliding performance of the bicycle component.

The bicycle component may be a front sprocket. In this case, wear of the slide layer can be minimized, while maintaining the sliding performance of the front sprocket.

The bicycle component may be a rear sprocket. In this case, wear of the slide layer can be minimized, while maintaining the sliding performance of the rear sprocket.

The bicycle component may be a chain. In this case, wear of the slide layer can be minimized, while maintaining the sliding performance of the chain.

The present invention in another aspect provides a fishing tackle component having the aforedescribed slide member. In this case, wear of the slide layer can be minimized, while maintaining the sliding performance of the fishing tackle component.

According to the present invention, because the slide layer contains a solid lubricant, the sliding performance of the slide layer can be maintained. Additionally, because the slide layer contains hard particles, the slide layer is harder, as compared with a case in which only a solid lubricant is contained. Therefore, wear of the slide layer can be minimized, while still maintaining the sliding performance of the slide layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle employing a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a crank assembly employing as the front sprocket one that is a bicycle component according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional schematic view of the outer surface of a first front sprocket;

FIG. 4 is a view of a modification example of the first embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a slide member;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a crank assembly employing as the front sprocket one that is a bicycle component according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the crank assembly cut along the cutting plane line VII-VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view of a first front sprocket of the second embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a view of a second front sprocket of the second embodiment corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a rear sprocket assembly according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a third rear sprocket;

FIG. 12 is a view of a third rear sprocket of the third embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a view of a modification example of the third embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a partly sectional plan view of a chain according to fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the chain;

FIG. 16 is a front view of a fishing line guide that is a fishing tackle component according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a view of the fishing line guide, corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of a pinion gear that is a fishing tackle component according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the pinion gear that is the fishing tackle component according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a view of the pinion gear, corresponding to FIG. 3; and

FIG. 21 is a view of other embodiments, corresponding to FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The bicycle shown in FIG. 1, which employs multiple embodiments of the present invention, is known as a mountain bike, capable of traveling over uneven terrain. The bicycle is provided with a frame 1 having diamond-shaped frame body 2 and a front fork 3 that has a suspension function; a handlebar part 4; a drive part 5; a front wheel 6; a rear wheel 7; a front brake device 9 f, and a rear brake device 9 r.

The frame body 2 of the frame 1 is constructed from welded pipe. Various parts, including a saddle 13 and the drive part 5, are mounted onto the frame body 2. The front fork 3 is installed in swiveling fashion about an inclined axis, at the front part of the frame body 2.

The handlebar part 4 has a handlebar stem 14 fastened to the top part of the front fork 3, and a handlebar 15 fastened to the handlebar stem 14 At the ends of the handlebar stem 15 are installed brake levers 16 for operating the front brake device 9 f and the rear brake device 9 r. The left and right brake levers 16 are furnished with integrated or separate shift levers (not shown) for shift operation of a front external shift device 18 f and a rear external shift device 18 r.

The drive part 5 has a crank assembly 20 furnished to a hanger part in the bottom part of the frame body 2; a chain 17 engaged about the crank assembly 20; and the front external shift device 18 f and rear external shift device 18 r. The front external shift device 18 f and the rear external shift device 18 r respectively have a front derailleur 19 f and a rear derailleur 19 r installed in the middle and rear parts of the frame 1. The front derailleur 19 f guides the chain 17 onto any of, for example, three front sprockets furnished to the crank assembly 20. The rear derailleur 19 r guides the chain 17 onto any of, for example, nine rear sprockets of a rear sprocket assembly 11 installed on the hub of the rear wheel 7.

Embodiment 1

As shown in FIG. 2, the crank assembly 20 which employs a first embodiment of the present invention is provided with a crank part 21, and a first front sprocket 22, a second front sprocket 23, and a third front sprocket 24, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. The crank part 21 has a crank arm 25 extending in a radial direction in relation to the center axis of rotation of the front sprockets 22, 23, 24, and a sprocket attachment part 26 formed integrally with the crank arm 25. The crank arm 25 has a pedal attachment part 25 a at the distal end, and a crank shaft attachment part 25 b at the basal end. The sprocket attachment part 26 has a plurality (for example, four) of attachment arms 26 a extending radially from the crank shaft attachment part 25 b as the center, and sprocket fastening parts 26 b furnished to the ends of the respective attachment arms 26 a. In each of the sprocket fastening parts 26 b is formed a through-hole 26 c through which is passed a threaded member (for example, a bolt member), not illustrated, for fastening the first front sprocket 22. In the first embodiment, the threaded members are screwed into the first front sprocket 22. However, threaded members could instead be threaded together with nuts to fasten the first front sprocket 22. The first to third front sprockets 22 to 24 are an example of a bicycle component.

The first front sprocket 22 has the greatest number of teeth, for example, 42. When the first front sprocket 22 is attached to the crank shaft, not illustrated, it is situated to the outside away from the frame 1 (see FIG. 1) in the axial direction in relation to the center axis of rotation of the front sprockets 22, 23, 24. The second front sprocket 23 is situated to the inside closer to the frame 1 in relation to the first front sprocket 22. The number of teeth of the second front sprocket 23 is, for example, 32. The third front sprocket 24 is situated to the inside closer to the frame 1 in relation to the second front sprocket 23 in the axial direction. The number of teeth of the third front sprocket 24 is, for example, 24.

The first front sprocket 22, the second front sprocket 23, and the third front sprocket 24 have a first slide member 22 a, a second slide member 23 a, and a third slide member 24 a, respectively. The first slide member 22 a, the second slide member 23 a, and the third slide member 24 a constitute the sprocket teeth of the respective sprockets, for meshing with the chain 17 (see FIG. 1). The sprocket teeth are furnished to the outermost side of the sprocket in radial directions, and are formed to be thinner than a first attachment part 22 c located at the inside therefrom in radial directions and intended to fasten to the sprocket attachment part 26 of the crank part 21 (the second attachment part of the second front sprocket 23 and the third attachment part of the third front sprocket 24 are not illustrated). In the first embodiment, the first slide member 22 a and the first attachment part 22 c are formed integrally. The second slide member 23 a and the second attachment part, as well as the third slide member 24 a and the third attachment part, are formed integrally as well. Consequently, a first stepped part 22 b, a second stepped part 23 b, and a third stepped part 24 b are respectively formed, between the sprocket teeth and sections radially inside therefrom in the first to third front sprockets 22-24. The first slide member 22 a, the second slide member 23 a, and the third slide member 24 a are respectively situated radially to the outside, in relation to the first stepped part 22 b, the second stepped part 23 b, and the third stepped part 24 b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first slide member 22 a of the first front sprocket 22 is provided with a base material 30 constituting the sprocket teeth; a plated slide layer 32; and an intermediate plated layer 34 situated between the base material 30 and the plated slide layer 32, for increasing cohesion of the base material 30 and the plated slide layer 32. The plated slide layer 32 is an example of a slide layer. The base material 30 is of at least one selected from a group of metals that includes iron (including stainless steel), aluminum, titanium, and copper (including brass); clad materials composed of layers of multiple different metals (for example, aluminum and stainless steel or the like); and alloys of these. In the first embodiment, the base material 30, including the first front sprocket 22 and the other sections, is made of aluminum alloy. The plated slide layer 32 and the intermediate plated layer 34 are plated layers containing at least one metal selected from the group that includes nickel, copper, tin, and zinc. The plated slide layer 32 and the intermediate plated layer 34 contain the same metal selected from the group that includes nickel, copper, tin, and zinc. In the first embodiment, the plated slide layer 32 contains nickel.

As shown enlarged in part A in FIG. 3, the plated slide layer 32 contains a solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b harder than the solid lubricant 32 a. The solid lubricant 32 a contains particles of at least one selected from the group consisting of boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymers, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymers. In the first embodiment, the solid lubricant has particles of a fluorine compound, including polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymers, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymers. In the first embodiment, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is selected as the fluorine compound. Consequently, in the first embodiment, the plated slide layer 32 has a nickel plated layer containing particles of a fluorine compound. The content of the fluorine compound particles used as the solid lubricant 32 a in the first embodiment is from 30 vol % to 70 vol %, inclusive, of the entire plated slide layer 32. In this embodiment, the content is from 40 vol % to 50 vol %, inclusive.

The hard particles 32 b are at least one selected from the group consisting of nanodiamond, ZrO₂ (zirconium oxide), SiC (silicon carbide), Al₂O₃ (alumina), and BN (boron nitride). In this embodiment, ZrO₂ (zirconium oxide) is selected for the hard particles 32 b. The content of the hard particles 32 b is from 5 vol % to 20 vol % of the entire plated slide layer 32. In this embodiment, the content is from 5 vol % to 10 vol % inclusive.

The intermediate plated layer 34 in the first embodiment has a first intermediate plated layer 34 a and a second intermediate plated layer 34 b. The first intermediate plated layer 34 a is formed on the outer surface of the base material 30. In the first embodiment, the first intermediate plated layer 34 a contains, for example, zinc. The second intermediate plated layer 34 b is formed between the first intermediate plated layer 34 a and the plated slide layer 32. The second intermediate plated layer 34 b contains, for example, nickel. Consequently, in the first embodiment, the plated slide layer 32 and the second intermediate plated layer 34 b contain the same type of metal (nickel). The first intermediate plated layer 34 a and the second intermediate plated layer 34 b contain no solid lubricant. The total thickness of the plated slide layer 32 and the intermediate plated layer 34 is from 2 μm to 20 μm, inclusive. The thickness of the plated slide layer 32 is from 1 μm to 15 μm, inclusive. The thickness of the intermediate plated layer 34 is from 1 μm to 5 μm, inclusive. In preferred practice, the thickness of the intermediate plated layer 34 is 50 percent or less of the thickness of the plated slide layer 32. In the first embodiment, the thickness of the intermediate plated layer 34 is from 10 to 30 percent, inclusive, of the thickness of the plated slide layer 32. The plated slide layer 32 and the intermediate plated layer 34 are formed by an electroplating process. Therefore, the thickness of the plated slide layer 32 and the intermediate plated layer 34 is easily controlled.

The second slide member 23 a of the second front sprocket 23 and of the third slide member 24 a of the third front sprocket 24 are comparable in constitution to the first slide member 22 a of the first front sprocket 22.

With the first slide member 22 a, the second slide member 23 a, and the third slide member 24 a having the above constitution, the plated slide layer 32 is not formed directly over the base material 30; rather, the intermediate plated layer 34 for increasing the cohesion of the base material 30 and the plated slide layer 32 is situated between the base material 30 and the plated slide layer 32. Therefore, despite the enhanced sliding capabilities of the plated slide layer 32, cohesion between the plated slide layer 32 and the intermediate plated layer 34, and cohesion between the intermediate plated layer 34 and the base material 30, is high, making the plated slide layer 32 resistant to peeling. Additionally, the hard particles 32 b are included in the plated slide layer 32, and therefore the plated slide layer 32 is harder, as compared with a case in which only the solid lubricant 32 a is contained, even if the plated slide layer 32 contains the solid lubricant 32 a. Therefore, wear of the plated slide layer 32 can be minimized, while still maintaining the sliding performance of the plated slide layer 32.

The base material 30 is made of lightweight aluminum, and as such can be a material with relatively high corrosion resistance capabilities, thereby reducing the weight of the first slide member 22 a to the third slide member 24 a as well as making them able to withstand outdoor use. Moreover, sliding resistance with respect to the chain 17 is low, and power transmission efficiency can be improved. Additionally, the hard particles 32 b are included in the plated slide layer 32, and therefore wear of the first to third front sprockets 22-24 by contact with the chain 17 can be reduced.

Modification Example of First Embodiment

In the modification example in FIG. 4, the second intermediate plating layer 34 b′ of the intermediate plating layer 34′ differs from that in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the second intermediate plating layer 34 b contained no solid lubricant; however, as shown enlarged in part A in FIG. 4, the second intermediate plating layer 34 b′ contains a solid lubricant 32 a′, but in an amount less than that of the solid lubricant 32 a contained in the plated slide layer 32. For example, the solid lubricant 32 a′ content is from 5 vol % to 30 vol %, inclusive, of the entire second intermediate plating layer 34 b′. In this modification example, the content in the solid lubricant 32 a′ is from 10 vol % to 20 vol %, inclusive. In the modification example, the solid lubricant 32 a′ is a fluorine compound comparable to the solid lubricant 32 a. The aforedescribed working effects can be achieved with this sort of constitution as well. The type of solid lubricant is not limited to the fluorine compounds employed in the first embodiment, but at least one type can be selected from the group given by way of example in the first embodiment.

Next, the method of manufacturing the slide member according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5, taking the example of the first front sprocket 22.

In the first front sprocket 22 serving as the base material, it is preferable for sections, other than that for constituting the first slide member 22 a, to be masked. Then, in Step S1, the section for constituting the first slide member 22 a is subjected to a degreasing process using a degreasing detergent, producing a clean state on the surface. In Step S2, the aluminum oxide film which has formed on the surface of the first slide member 22 a of the first front sprocket 22 is removed. In Step S3, the intermediate plated layer 34′ is formed. According to the first embodiment, in the intermediate plated layer formation process of Step S3, the first intermediate plated layer 34 a is formed over the base material 30, and then the second intermediate plated layer 34 b is formed over the first intermediate plated layer 34 a. Here, the first intermediate plated layer 34 a is zinc (Zn) plated by an electroplating process, and the second intermediate plated layer 34 b nickel plated by an electroplating process. In the modification example, the second intermediate plated layer 34 b′ is formed through plating of nickel containing a fluorine compound as a solid lubricant, by an electroplating process. The vol % of the fluorine compound in the second intermediate plated layer 34 b′ is less than that in the plated slide layer 32. Once the second intermediate plated layer 34 b′ has been formed, the plated slide layer 32 is formed thereon by an electroplating process. The plated slide layer 32 is formed through plating of nickel containing fluorine compound particles as a solid lubricant 32 a and Al₂O₃ particles as the hard particles 32 b, by an electroplating process. The thicknesses of the intermediate plated layer 34′ and the plated slide layer 32 are controlled to the values given above, through the electroplating process.

Embodiment 2

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a crank assembly 120 employing a second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a crank part 121, and a first front sprocket 122 and second front sprocket 123 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The first front sprocket 122 and the second front sprocket 123 are examples of bicycle components. The crank part 121 has a crank arm 125 extending along a radial direction in relation to the center axis of rotation of the front sprockets 122, 223; and a sprocket attachment part 126 formed integrally with the crank arm 125. The crank arm 125 has a pedal attachment part 125 a at the distal end, and a crank shaft attachment part 125 b at the basal end. The sprocket attachment part 126 has a plurality (for example, four) of attachment arms 126 a extending radially from the crank shaft attachment part 125 b as the center, and sprocket fastening parts 126 b recessed into the distal ends of the respective attachment arms 126 a. In each of the sprocket fastening parts 126 b is formed a through-hole 126 c through which is passed a threaded fastening member (for example, a bolt member) 127 (see FIG. 7) which is threaded into the first front sprocket 122.

The first front sprocket 122 has the greatest number of teeth. When attached to the crankshaft, not illustrated, the first front sprocket 122 is situated to the outside furthest away from the frame 1 (see FIG. 1) in an axial direction in relation to the center axis of rotation of the front sprockets 122, 123. The second front sprocket 123 has fewer teeth than the first front sprocket 122, and is situated to the inside closer to the frame 1 from the first front sprocket 122 in the axial direction.

The first front sprocket 122 and the second front sprocket 123 respectively have a first slide member 122 a and a second slide member 123 a (see FIG. 7). The first slide member 122 a and the second slide member 123 a constitute the sprocket teeth of the respective sprockets for meshing with the chain 17 (see FIG. 1.). The first slide member 122 a is furnished furthest to the outside in a radial direction. The first front sprocket 122 further has a first attachment part 122 c installed so as to be rotatable in unison with the first slide member 122 a. Consequently, in the second embodiment, the first slide member 122 a is formed as a separate element from the first attachment part 122 c which is situated to the inside in the radial direction therefrom and fastened to the sprocket attachment part 126 of the crank part 121. The first slide member 122 a is a member which is made of metal (for example, made of titanium), while the first attachment part 122 c is a member made of synthetic resin (for example, made of carbon fiber-reinforced resin). As shown by heavy lines in FIG. 7, in the first front sprocket 122 of the second embodiment, a plated slide layer 132 and an intermediate plated layer 134, shown in FIG. 8, are formed on the surface of the first slide member 122 a, which is a section made of metal. It is acceptable for the plated slide layer 132 and an intermediate plated layer 134 to be furnished only to portions (for example, to sections where the sprocket teeth are formed) of the first slide member 122 a. As shown in FIG. 7, the first attachment part 122 c has an outside member 122 d molded from a plurality of carbon fiber prepregs in a mold, and an inside member 122 e situated facing the outside member 122 d. The inside member 122 e, like the outside member 122 d, is molded from a plurality of carbon fiber prepregs in a mold. The inside member 122 e is situated facing towards the second front sprocket 123. The first attachment part 122 c has a nut attachment part 122 f made of synthetic resin (for example, synthetic resin such as polyimide resin, polyacetal resin, or the like) to which a nut member 122 g that threads together with the threaded member 127 has been formed integrally, by an appropriate molding method such as insert molding. The first slide member 122 a, the outside member 122 d, the inside member 122 e, and the nut attachment part 122 f are fastened, for example, with an adhesive or by casting.

As shown by heavy lines in FIG. 7, the second slide member 123 a of the second front sprocket 123 is furnished radially to the outside from a second stepped part 123 b constituting a section bordering a second attachment part 123 c. Consequently, as in the first embodiment, in the second front sprocket 123, the second slide member 123 a and the second attachment part 123 c are formed integrally.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first slide member 122 a of the first front sprocket 122 in the second embodiment is provided with a base material 130 constituting the sprocket teeth, a plated slide layer 132 containing a solid lubricant, and an intermediate plated layer 134 situated between the base material 130 and the plated slide layer 132, for increasing cohesion of the base material 130 and the plated slide layer 132. The base material 130 is one type of metal selected from a group of metals that includes metals comparable to those in the first embodiment, and alloys thereof. In the second embodiment, the base material 130 is made of titanium, for example. The plated slide layer 132 and the intermediate plated layer 134 are plated layers containing at least one metal selected from a group of metals that includes metals comparable to those in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the plated slide layer 132 contains nickel. As shown by an enlarged view in part A in FIG. 8, the plated slide layer 132 further contains a solid lubricant 32 a. The solid lubricant 32 a includes particles of at least one kind selected from the same group as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is selected as the fluorine compound. Consequently, in the second embodiment, the plated slide layer 132 has a plated nickel layer containing particles of a fluorine compound. In the second embodiment, the content of the fluorine compound particles serving as the solid lubricant 32 a is from 30 vol % to 70 vol %, inclusive, of the plated slide layer 132. In the second embodiment, the content is from 40 vol % to 50 vol %, inclusive. Additionally, the hard particles 32 b include at least one kind of particles selected from the same group as the first embodiment. ZrO₂ is also selected for the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment. The content of the hard particles 32 b is the same as the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the intermediate plated layer 134 has a first intermediate plated layer 134 a and a second intermediate plated layer 134 b. The first intermediate plated layer 134 a is formed on the outer surface of the base material 130. In the second embodiment, the first intermediate plated layer 134 a contains zinc, for example. The second intermediate plated layer 134 b is formed between the first intermediate plated layer 134 a and the plated slide layer 132. The second intermediate plated layer 134 b contains nickel, for example. Consequently, in the second embodiment, the plated slide layer 132 and the second intermediate plated layer 134 b contain the same type of metal (nickel). The first intermediate plated layer 134 a and the second intermediate plated layer 134 b contain no solid lubricants. The total thickness of the plated slide layer 132 and the intermediate plated layer 134 is from 2 μm to 20 μm, inclusive, and the thickness of the plated slide layer 132 is from 1 μm to 15 μm, inclusive. The thickness of the intermediate plated layer 134 is from 1 μm to 5 μm, inclusive. In preferred practice, the thickness of the intermediate plated layer 134 is 50 percent or less of the thickness of the plated slide layer 132. In the second embodiment, the thickness of the intermediate plated layer 134 is from 10 percent to 30 percent, inclusive, of the thickness of the plated slide layer 132. The plated slide layer 132 and the intermediate plated layer 134 are formed by an electroplating process. In so doing, the thickness of the plated slide layer 132 and the intermediate plated layer 134 is easily controlled.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the second slide member 123 a of the second front sprocket 123 of the second embodiment, the plated slide layer 132 having the solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b as shown by an enlarged view in part A in FIG. 9 is identical to that in the first slide member 122 a of the first front sprocket 122, whereas the intermediate plated layer 134′ is different. Specifically, the intermediate plated layer 134′ is constituted of a plated layer of a single metal, namely, zinc only. The thickness of the intermediate plated layer 134′ is the same as that of the first slide member 122 a of the first front sprocket 122. While the intermediate plated layer 134′ contains no solid lubricant, it would be acceptable to contain a solid lubricant.

With the first slide member 122 a and the second slide member 123 a having the above constitution, the plated slide layer 132 is not formed directly over the base material 130; rather, the intermediate plated layer 134 (or 134′) for increasing the cohesion of the base material 130 and the plated slide layer 132 is situated between the base material 130 and the plated slide layer 132. Therefore, despite the content of the solid lubricant 32 a having been increased to enhance the sliding performance of the plated slide layer 132, cohesion between the plated slide layer 132 and the intermediate plated layer 134 (or 134′), and cohesion between the intermediate plated layer 134 (or 134′) and the base material 130, is high, making the plated slide layer 132 more resistant to peeling. Additionally, the hard particles 32 b are included in the plated slide layer 132, and therefore the plated slide layer 132 is harder, as compared with a case in which only the solid lubricant 32 a is contained, even if the plated slide layer 132 contains the solid lubricant 32 a. Therefore, wear of the plated slide layer 132 can be minimized, while still maintaining the sliding performance of the plated slide layer 132.

The base material 130 is made of lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant titanium, thereby reducing the weight of the first slide member 122 a and the second slide member 123 a, as well as making them able to withstand outdoor use.

Embodiment 3

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a rear sprocket assembly 11 employing a third embodiment of the present invention has, for example, nine rear sprockets, i.e., a first rear sprocket 41 to a ninth rear sprocket 49, that differ in the number of teeth. The first rear sprocket 41 to the ninth rear sprocket 49 are examples of a bicycle component. The first rear sprocket 41 has the fewest number of teeth, for example, 11. The ninth rear sprocket 49 has the greatest number of teeth, for example, 32. The numbers of teeth of the second rear sprocket 42 to the eighth rear sprocket 48 are set to appropriate numbers between these. The first rear sprocket 41 to the ninth rear sprocket 49 are attached in integrally rotating fashion to the rear hub of the rear wheel, not illustrated. FIG. 11 shows a third rear sprocket 43 as an example of a rear sprocket. The third rear sprocket 43 has a slide member 43 a constituting the sprocket teeth, and an attachment part 43 b situated at the inner peripheral side of the slide member 43 a, for attachment to the rear hub. The other rear sprockets similarly have a slide member and an attachment part. The slide member 43 a constitutes the sprocket teeth, and is furnished furthest radially outward. The border section between the slide member 43 a and the attachment part 43 b is shown by a broken line in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 12, the slide member 43 a has a base material 230, a plated slide layer 232 containing a solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b as shown by an enlarged view in part A in FIG. 12, and an intermediate plated layer 234 situated between the base material 230 and the plated slide layer 232, for increasing the cohesion of the base material 230 and the plated slide layer 232. The base material 230 is at least one type of metal selected from the group of metals cited by way of example in the first embodiment; in the third embodiment, the base material 230 is made of iron, including stainless steel. The plated slide layer 232 is at least one metal selected from the group of a plurality of metals cited by way of example in the first embodiment; in the third embodiment, a eutectic system of a solid lubricant 32 a dispersed in nickel is selected. The solid lubricant 32 a is one kind selected from the group that includes a plurality of substances, cited by way of example in the first embodiment; in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is selected as the fluorine compound. The hard particles 32 b are one kind selected from the group that includes a plurality of substances, cited by way of example in the first embodiment; in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, ZrO₂ is selected. The intermediate plated layer 234 is at least one metal selected from the group of a plurality of metals cited by way of example in the first embodiment; in the third embodiment, nickel is selected. In the third embodiment, the intermediate plated layer 234 contains no solid lubricant. The proportion of solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b in the plated slide layer and the intermediate plated layer, their thicknesses, and other features are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description is omitted.

With the rear sprocket assembly 11 according to the third embodiment constituted as set forth above, in addition to the aforedescribed working effects, the corrosion resistance of the rear sprocket assembly 11 can be improved.

Modification Example of Third Embodiment

In the third embodiment, the base material 230 of the slide member 43 a is made of iron, including stainless steel; however, in the modification example shown in FIG. 13, the base material 230′ of the slide member 43 a is made from clad material of stacked layers of different metals, rather than being made of iron. In the modification example of the third embodiment, for example, a clad material of aluminum between layers of stainless steel is employed as the base material 230′. The plated slide layer 232 having the solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b shown in enlarged view in part A in FIG. 13 and the intermediate plated layer 234 are similar to those of the third embodiment.

Embodiment 4

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the chain 17 provided as a bicycle component employing a fourth embodiment of the present invention has pairs of outside link plates 350, pairs of inside link plates 351 situated in alternating fashion between pairs of the outside link plates 350, linking pins 352 for linking together the linking plates 350, 351, and rollers 353 situated inside the pairs of inside link plates 351, and rotatable about the axis of the linking pin 352.

The outside link plates 350 and the inside link plates 351 are plated-shaped members of gourd shape round at both ends, formed by being punched from sheet steel, including stainless steel, about 0.8 mm-1.0 mm in thickness, for example. Linking holes 350 b, 351 b through which the linking pins 352 are able to be passed are formed respectively at both ends of the outside link plates 350 and the inside link plates 351. The outside link plates 350, the inside link plates 351, the linking pins 352, and the rollers 353 respectively have slide members 350 a, 351 a, 352 a, 353 a similar in constitution to the rear sprocket 43 shown in FIG. 12. The slide members 350 a, 351, 352 a, 353 a are furnished in areas shown by heavy lines in FIGS. 14 and 15. As shown in FIG. 12, the slide members 350 a, 351 a, 352 a, 353 a have a base material 230, a plated slide layer 232 containing the solid lubricant 32 a as shown by an enlarged view in part A in FIG. 12, and an intermediate plated layer 234 situated between the base material 230 and the plated slide layer 232, for increasing the cohesion of the base material 230 and the plated slide layer 232. The thickness of the plated slide layer 232 and the intermediate plated layer 234, the proportion of the solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b therein, and other features are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description is omitted.

With the chain 17 embodiment constituted as set forth above, in addition to the aforedescribed working effects, the slide resistance between the crank assembly 20 and the rear sprocket assembly 11 can be reduced, and the rotation transmission efficiency further improved. Moreover, the corrosion resistance of the chain 17 can be increased.

Embodiment 5

Whereas the aforedescribed first to fourth embodiment described the present invention in terms of examples of bicycle components, in the fifth and subsequent embodiments, the present invention is described in terms of fishing tackle components.

As shown in FIG. 16, a fishing line guide 454 employing the fifth embodiment is a member fastened to the outside peripheral surface of a fishing pole 452. The fishing line guide 454 is an example of a fishing tackle component. The fishing line guide 454 has a fastener part 455 fastening to the outside peripheral surface of the fishing pole 452; a leg part 456 rising up from the fastener part 455; a guide frame 457 having a through-hole 457 a formed in the top end of the leg part 456 and passing therethrough in the axial direction of the fishing pole 452; and a guide ring 458 fitting within the through-hole 457 a, through which a fishing line L is able to be threaded.

The guide ring 458 is a ring member designed to enable a fishing line to be threaded through the inside. The guide ring 458 has a slide member 458 a. As shown in FIG. 17, the slide member 458 a has a base material 430 of annular shape, a plated slide layer 432 containing a solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b as shown by an enlarged view in part A in FIG. 17, and an intermediate plated layer 434 situated between the base material 430 and the plated slide layer 432, for increasing the cohesion of the base material 430 and the plated slide layer 432. The base material 430 is, for example, an annular member made of hard metal such as stainless steel (SUS). The plated slide layer 432 and the intermediate plated layer 434 are formed to cover the entire circumference of the base material 430. The constitution of the base material 430 is comparable to that of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12. The thickness of the plated slide layer 432 and the intermediate plated layer 434, the proportion of the solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b therein, and other features are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description is omitted.

With the fishing line guide 454 of the above constitution, in addition to the aforedescribed working effects, slide resistance against the fishing line is lower, and line problems can be reduced. Moreover, the guide ring 458 becomes resistant to wear even when in frequent contact with the fishing line L.

Embodiment 6

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a pinion gear 560 provided as a fishing tackle component employing a sixth embodiment may be used in a fishing reel, such as a double bearing reel, electrically powered reel, spinning reel, or the like. The pinion gear 560 has a slide member 560 a. The slide member 560 a is a cylindrical member having a stepped through-hole 560 b through the center of which a spool shaft passes. The slide member 560 a is supported on a reel body, not illustrated, via bearings, in such a way that both ends are rotatable and moveable in an axial direction. The slide member 560 a has a clutch engagement part 560 c, a gear part 560 d, and a constricted part 560 e. The clutch engagement part 560 c is a slot for engaging a slot pin, not illustrated. The gear part 560 d has gear teeth for meshing with a drive gear, not shown, that turns in interlocking fashion when a handle is operated. The constricted part 560 e engages a clutch control mechanism for operating a clutch mechanism, not illustrated. The pinion gear 560 moves between an on position at which the clutch engagement part engages the clutch pin, and an off position at which the clutch engagement part releases from the clutch pin.

As shown in FIG. 20, the slide member 560 a has a base material 530, a plated slide layer 532 containing a solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b as shown by an enlarged view in part A in FIG. 20, and an intermediate plated layer 534 situated between the base material 530 and the plated slide layer 532, for increasing the cohesion of the base material 530 and the plated slide layer 532. In the slide member 560 a, the plated slide layer 532 and the intermediate plated layer 534 are formed at locations indicated by heavy lines in FIG. 18 and at shaded locations in FIG. 19. Consequently, in the sixth embodiment, the gear part 560 d in the slide member 560 a is not furnished with the plated slide layer 532 and the intermediate plated layer 534. The reason is that while these plated layers are formed in the course of the pinion gear 560 manufacturing process, the gear part 560 d is formed by cutting work in the final stage of manufacture. A plating process may be performed once the gear part has been formed, to furnish the gear part with a plated slide layer and an intermediate plated layer as well.

As shown in FIG. 20, the base material 530 is made of one type of metal selected from the group of metals cited by way of example in the first embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, brass is selected. The base material 530 may be made of stainless steel as well. The brass is high-strength brass of high strength. The plated slide layer 532 is at least one metal selected from the group of a plurality of metals cited by way of example in the first embodiment; in the sixth embodiment, a eutectic system in which the solid lubricant 32 a is dispersed in nickel is selected. The solid lubricant is one kind selected from the group that includes the plurality of substances cited by way of example in the first embodiment; in the sixth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is selected as the fluorine compound. The hard particles 32 b are one kind selected from the group that includes the plurality of substances cited by way of example in the first embodiment; in the sixth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, ZrO₂ is selected. The intermediate plated layer 534 is at least one metal selected from the group of a plurality of metals cited by way of example in the first embodiment; in the sixth embodiment, copper is selected. In the sixth embodiment, the intermediate plated layer 534 contains no solid lubricant. The thickness of the plated slide layer 532 and the intermediate plated layer 534, the proportion of the solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b therein, and other features are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description is omitted.

With the pinion gear according to the sixth embodiment constituted in the above manner, in addition to the aforedescribed working effects, the rotation efficiency is improved due to the fact that the plated slide layer is formed to include both ends which are supported by bearings. Moreover, slide resistance when moving in the axial direction to the on position and the off position is low, and on-off operation of the clutch is smooth.

Other Embodiments

While the present invention has been described above in terms of the presently preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the aforedescribed embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, it is possible for any of the plurality of embodiments and modification examples set forth in the description to be combined as needed.

(a) In the preceding embodiments, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is selected as the fluorine compound for the solid lubricant, but the present invention is not limited to this. The solid lubricant may contain particles of at least one selected from the aforementioned group that includes boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymers, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymers.

(b) In the preceding embodiments, a nickel plated layer was cited as an example of the plated slide layer, but the present invention is not limited to this. The plated slide layer may contain metals selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, tin, and zinc.

(c) In the preceding embodiments, crank assembly sprockets, rear sprocket assembly sprockets, and a bicycle chain were cited as examples of bicycle components, while a fishing line guide and a pinion gear were cited as examples of fishing tackle components; however, the present invention is not limited to these. The bicycle component having the slide member according to the present invention may also be, for example, a control cable capable of linking a brake device and brake operation device, or a gearshift device and a gearshift operation device, and the like. The slide member according to the present invention may also be employed in the lever section of the brake lever 16, or in a sliding section in an internal or external gearshift device. As fishing tackle components, the slide member may be employed in a reeling spool, a thread section for drag adjustment, or a fishhook.

(d) In the preceding embodiments, ZrO₂ was cited as an example of hard particles 32 b; however, the present invention is not limited to this. The hard particles may also be at least one kind selected from the group consisting of nanodiamond. ZrO₂, SiC (silicon carbide), Al₂O₃ (alumina), and BN (boron nitride).

(e) In the preceding embodiments, the slide layer was a plated slide layer, but the present invention is not limited to this. The slide layer may also be a layer aside from the plated layer. For example, the layer may be formed by ion plating or other thin film formation processes.

(f) In the preceding embodiments, a middle layer was furnished, but as shown in FIG. 21, A slide layer 632 containing a solid lubricant 32 a and hard particles 32 b on a base material 630 may be directly formed without furnishing a middle plated layer.

(g) The combinations of base materials, intermediate plated layers, and plate slide layers shown in the preceding embodiments are applicable in other embodiments as well.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A slide member comprising: a base material; an intermediate layer disposed on a first outer surface of the base material; and a slide layer disposed on a second outer surface of the intermediate layer such that the slide layer is disposed on at least a portion of the base material, the slide layer having a thickness ranging from about 1 μm to about 15 μm and containing a first solid lubricant in an amount of 40.0 vol. % to 50.0 vol. %, inclusive, of an entirety of the slide layer, a plurality of hard particles, and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, tin and zinc, the hard particles being harder than the first solid lubricant, the intermediate layer having a thickness ranging from about 1 μm to about 5 μm and containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, tin and zinc, and a vol. % of a second solid lubricant in the intermediate layer being less than a vol. % of the first solid lubricant contained in the slide layer and less than or equal to 30 vol % of an entirety of the intermediate plated layer.
 2. The slide member according to claim 1, wherein the base material includes at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, stainless steel, aluminum and titanium.
 3. The slide member according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer increases cohesion of the base material and the slide layer, and the slide layer and the intermediate layer are plated layers.
 4. The slide member according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate layer contains no second solid lubricant.
 5. The slide member according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the slide layer and the intermediate layer is an electroplated layer.
 6. The slide member according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer increases cohesion of the base material and the slide layer, and the slide layer and the intermediate layer are plated layers each containing a same metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, tin, and zinc.
 7. The slide member according to claim 1, wherein the first solid lubricant contains particles of at least one selected from the group consisting of boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer.
 8. The slide member according to claim 1, wherein the first solid lubricant contains particles of a fluorine compound.
 9. The slide member according to claim 8, wherein the fluorine compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer.
 10. The slide member according to claim 1, wherein the hard particles are at least one selected from the group consisting of nanodiamond, ZrO₂, SiC (silicon carbide), Al₂O₃ (alumina), and BN (boron nitride).
 11. A bicycle component including the slide member according to claim
 1. 12. The bicycle component according to claim 11, wherein the bicycle component is a front sprocket.
 13. The bicycle component according to claim 11, wherein the bicycle component is a rear sprocket.
 14. The bicycle component according to claim 11, wherein the bicycle component is a chain.
 15. A fishing tackle component for use in fishing tackle, the fishing tackle component including the slide member according to claim
 1. 